Monday, January 31, 2011

Friday morning our darling Bootz fell ill and was gone in a matter of hours. My husband and I are still a little shell shocked.

A visit to the vet revealed Bootz The Cat had a collapsed lung and an enlarged heart, with only hours left to live. Bootz did not show any symptoms of discomfort, until just a few hours before she died. We miss her with all our hearts.

We are grateful to have had her in our home for the short time she lived here. This is a sketch of our dear Bootz--I will be doing a full pen and ink based on this graphite sketch, then a colored version.

Bootz The Cat rests peacefully beneath the bird bath--I am sure she must be delighted. Though she was an indoor cat, one of her chief delights, besides my husband and myself--was to watch birds through the office window.

Friday, January 14, 2011

No hidden hearts today! They are in plain sight. As you can see, these two are in love. This ACEO was inspired by Bootz the Cat. In real life, as I type these words, Bootz is lounging across the corner of my desk, her head resting on the phone book like a pillow. Bootz is a Ragdoll. She isn't even full grown, yet sports a 14-inch tail. Her body is 16-inches long. Add those together, with her considerable muscle and girth--she's quite a girl!

Bootz the Cat fills our life and home with laughter. How grateful we are for this loving little, er humongous roommate!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Some of you have asked about the Name "FAT Tuesday." It is merely a clever acronym my sweet Sis and I came up with for Featured Art Tuesday!

I created Featured Art Tuesday(FAT Tuesday)Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes every type of medium, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry. I hope you will join in the fun!

J. Stephen Hunter is one of my favorite artists. He is incredibly imaginative and creative, as you will see when you look at the various mediums he uses. Not only does he paint light in a way I've never seen before, but he creates whimsical clocks, beautiful things out of leaves and is a gifted photographer. I have met this gentle, brilliant teacher in person. He has inspired my heart in every area of my own art.

He writes, "…I love being an artist. I know I am one because the voices in my head all come from my right brain! Creativity is my adrenaline so I'm continually doing new things and avoiding repetition. I hope I never get pigeon-holed into “this is what I do.”

I have the lovely privilege of knowing this artist personally. Amber Day is a self-taught artist, who's beautifully detailed watercolors are exceptional. She constantly surprises me with her imagination and wit. She makes me laugh, yet there is often an interesting pathos to be found in her art. There is a whimsical quality to her work which greatly inspires me. You can find Amber's collectible artwork for sale on Ebay under animaegirl! I own a few pieces of her work, so I feel especially blessed!

Of herself, Amber simply writes, "I am a stay-at-home Mom, artist, and author. I've been happily married for 12 years now (we are still on our honeymoon). I'm a life long Oregonian and love the greenery and mountainous landscape of this state!"

Bill Ross is new to me. I LOVE his hilarious cartoons. They make me laugh and his concepts are brilliant. I hope to see more of this artist's inspiring work!

Bill writes, "I was... fortunate to make the brilliant decision to move to Nashville, Tennessee, the greatest city on the planet. I know, that's a debatable assessment of Nashville, but I really, really like it here. I'm convinced that if I could sing, play an instrument, or were good looking, I could be a country music star. Till then, I make my living drawin' funny pictures, and painting rectangular paintings."

Melinda Lincoln-Napoletano is one of the most thoughtful, inspiring individuals I've had the pleasure of knowing. Her eclectic pieces are a study in contrasts--her poetry is moving and her thoughts are profound.

She writes, "I still believe in magic and dreams and that I am the one in charge of creating my own reality. This is a very magical time of year and I absolutely refuse to let anyone destroy that for me. This next year will be a time of growth for me....of making dreams come true and accomplishing goals....of determination and hard work...of changes.....and to be honest...I am tired of waiting around for my life to sort of happen on its own....I gotta make whatever happen happen if I want it to....so look out 2011!"

I found Rosie Rowe in my search for inchys. They are tiny detailed one-by-one inch drawings--Rosie's are exquisite! However, once I'd lost myself in her blog, I found even more treasure. She is a very creative lady. One of my favorites is the piece I found above. What a beauty! And how very inspiring.

Rosie writes, "...the more I write, the more occurs to me and I lose myself in the page. I don’t have time at the moment to set aside proper time for art journaling. I sit with a tray on my lap to support my French Kitty book, a glue stick, my printouts, scissors and a couple of clear tubs which hold my most used pens and pencils, my tin of Neocolour Brights II and a watercolor brush."

Monday, January 10, 2011

This was a Christmas gift for a dear friend of mine, Amber. She is one of the sweetest people I know, and a wonderful artist as well. You can see more of Amber's amazing artwork at Doodles by Amber Day.

You can also find Amber's collectible artwork for sale on Ebay under animaegirl!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

When I think of hearts I am more often feeling joy, rather than heart ache--though that is a real part of having a heart in the first place. I am so grateful for joy. For the beauty of friendship's smile.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

I created Featured Art Tuesday(FAT Tuesday)Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.

Valerie Greeley is an incredible illustrator and textile designer. As you can see by the piece above, her work is exquisitely detailed and absolutely lovely. I am a longtime fan and am deeply inspired by this amazing artist who has a passion for pattern and creating books from start to finish--that includes illustration, decoration, printing and binding! Since I've become acquainted with Valerie--I've made a few books from start to finish myself.

Of the piece featured above Valerie writes, “I choose this new illustration to start off the year, I have brought the lemons, you will find hot water in the pot, now you need to add some honey, stir well with the spoon provided and help yourself to a piece of cake!"

I was fascinated by Rebeca Trevino's incredible box art. I especially loved the one featured above. She says she has been making boxes most of her life--even as a little girl. Her description of herself as a child artist is charming. Each box is beautifully crafted--each has a unique personality and message.

Rebeca writes, ". . . As each box emerges, it develops its own personality and strength. At the heart of my work is the absolute need to recycle things, to rescue stuff that has been forgotten or thrown away. In a sense the “stuff” gets reborn, it gains new meaning, a new career. The materials I use seem to have a sadness to them. I love taking unwanted items to create new images so people can see their own story. Each box is absolutely one of a kind.”

Patsy, a wonderfully creative collage and scrapbook artists lives in the Philippines. I was totally fascinated and inspired by her journal--I've featured one of the pages above. Each page is a study in fascination. I absolutely LOVE her artwork and feel inspired to start a journal of my own, such as she has featured on her blog.

Patsy writes, “When I get home from work, I stay in my craft room and make collages, scrapbook layouts, ATCs, and think of ways to re-use things normal people would throw away."

I was totally captivated by Samantha Marshall's twisted wire jewelry. As you can see by the lovely necklace pictured above, her work is so intricate, it boggles the mind. I want to sit and stare each piece--wondering how she was able to create such beautiful things. She creates Artist Trading Cards. Her tiny paintings are also quite wonderful.

Samantha writes, “I really love all sorts of art and at the moment I really enjoy making ATCs and jewellery. I am starting to get back into drawing as well, after 20 years of not doing any!!! I love my job as a teacher and I am so lucky to be able to teach in many different areas in Western Australia. I am teaching in the far north-east of Western Australia at the moment and it's spectacular!!!! I am so lucky to have a wonderful family-my daughters and my husband are a constant source of joy and inspiration.”

To see more of Samantha's intricately eclectic jewelry and artwork, visit Art Junket.

Patricia Chapman's art made me laugh--as you can see she has a tremendous sense of humor. The piece above is called Power Hungry. (grin) Each of her one-of-a-kind pieces evoke strong emotions in me. I was charmed. I was amazed. I was inspired.

Patricia writes, “I create assemblage and collage art using found objects and found images, text, and a large measure of humor. I draw my subject matter from life, love, and other impossible situations.”

To see more of Patricia's humorously creative artwork visit Assemblosity.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

This is a Cloud Painting I made for my middle daughter for Christmas this year. This Angelic Warrior could be one of my all-time favorite pieces of cloud art. I love the wings, hair--and the weapon in her hands.

I clicked the original photo from our back yard.

I find the heavens are full of fascinating and wonderful things, if only one would look up--I have a habit of walking along looking into the skies. I trip a lot. (grin)

Above you see this angel as I first saw her. As you can see--I didn't have to enhance much.

Peach Tree in Snow

About Me

My mother, Author Eva Gibson, says,"Everybody loves a story." These are the untold stories hidden behind each piece of my artwork. Some are whimsical or sad, others funny. There are stories rooted in science fiction and fairytales--some classical, others born from my imagination. Many pieces reflect my love for the Creator. Often, hidden behind my art, are stories from real life experiences. Indeed, over the years I've discovered the old saying is true. "Truth IS often stranger than fiction."

A midget who told me, when I was depressed about people making fun of me because we had no money and no new clothes and I was wearing everything second handed. He told me, "You are the only one in the world, make the most of it." -- Abe Lincoln, Artist, photographer (Ohio)

My Camera and Me

I carry my camera everywhere I go. Here you see one of my Cloud Paintings. I find unusual shapes, faces, animals in just about everything, especially clouds. Often I am able to enhance or "paint" my photos so others can see what my imagination has revealed.

What an honor to be a featured artist for this wonderful webpage!

A Fairytale Mind

This is a link to my favorite book reviewer. Rena Lanyon gives a well-written review from a youthful perspective.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I have not a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me Lord."-- Darlene Pringle, Artist

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass....it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

You've Got Heart Award

Life should be measured not by the number of years, but the love shared, the memories made, the joy given, the blessings received.

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Old Woman Trees

The pine needles click…Click…Knitting stray wisps of wind
Into scarves of song.

~ Dorothy Marie Davis

Copyright Questions

My stories and artwork may not be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or uploaded in any way without my written permission (which is easy to get via email).

If you have my permission and use my artwork and/or writings, please credit me and put a link to my blog. Let me know when you use my work, so I can visit.

I expect my stories and artwork will be used in a tasteful manner. If my work is used in a manner which I deem unsuitable, I reserve the right to remove any permission granted to use my stories and artwork, which then must be immediately removed.